Attention Category Managers: Stolen Base Blue Light Specials. This is probably going to be more relevant in July or August, after one or more of the pre-season, predicted speedsters has failed to meet expectations. For fantasy league leaders, there often comes a point in the season when even a slight boost in a single category may make the difference between finishing in the money and waiting ‘till next year. Just as with any ‘accumulation’ category, though, it is possible to find a cheap, waiver wire player to fill the role of ‘stolen base specialist’.

The following players are largely going undrafted, for various reasons (many are good ones, especially when they hurt in other categories like HR or RBI), and they may be a tipping point in deeper leagues. Whether or not you agree with the notion that speed never slumps, if you are hurting for steals, these players are all projected to swipe at least fifteen bases, and should be able to help.

1. Alfredo Amezaga, Florida. Although he turns 30 in May, and while he may only pick up 400 at-bats as a utility player, he stole 20 in 2006 and has the potential to do so again. His 3-year BA is .260, which can be an issue, but there is no doubt about his speed.

2. Erick Aybar, LAA. Currently battling with Maicer Izturis for the Angels’ shortstop job, Aybar has the potential (averaged 35 per season in the minors) to swipe 25 or more should he play a full season. There is also the manager-factor, as Mike Scioscia is not shy about turning base runners loose. If he ends up with the starting job, or even in a regular platoon with Izturis, look for Aybar to turn on the jets.

3. Jason Bartlett, Tampa Bay. Even if he hits ninth in the Rays’ order, manager Joe Maddon is likely to give the shortstop the green light on the basepaths. With Tampa Bay’s improved offense, Bartlett will provide a fast complement to B.J. Upton on the dome’s artificial track.

4. Rajai Davis, San Francisco. Unproven, but on the post-Bonds Giants, the team will have little choice but to try to manufacture runs. That, along with Davis’ inherent speed, could add up to a 40 SB season for the outfielder. Even if he is the fourth outfielder in San Francisco, Dave Roberts is only getting older, and Davis should see considerable playing time in 2008.

5. Shane Victorino, Philadelphia. Though he is typically being drafted, he projects to have far more value than his typical draft position. Victorino is the player on this list that is most likely to not be available. His 37steals last year seemingly came out of nowhere, and his ability to hit in the .285-.290 range make him multi-dimensional, but he is often overlooked on draft day because of his lack of power. Given the surrounding cast of Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and Pat Burrell, he should also score at least 80 runs.

Five more for the hip pocket:
1. Willie Bloomquist, Seattle.
2. Nate McLouth, Pittsburgh.
3. Joey Gathright, Kansas City.
4. Norris Hopper, Cincinnati.
5. Eugenio Velez, San Francisco